Barn Spider, Spotted Orb-Weaver
Neoscona crucifera
Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Characterized by building vertical, wheel-like orb webs and having eight similar-sized eyes arranged in two rows.
Physical Description
Robust body with a large, rounded, bulbous abdomen and a smaller cephalothorax covered in fine, short hairs. Typical of female orb-weavers, the body is stout and built for holding heavy egg masses.
Size Estimate
Large female with a body length of approximately 15 to 20 mm and a total leg span reaching around 35 to 45 mm, typical for an adult female in autumn.
Coloration & Markings
Warm reddish-brown to orange-brown base coloration. The legs feature distinct dark brown or black bands. The large abdomen typically displays a variable pattern of spots, sometimes forming a cross or leaf-like marking, framed by darker margins.
Web Type
Large, vertical orb web constructed in open spaces, often attached to structural elements like decks, porches, and barns. It features a sticky spiral for catching flying insect prey and a central hub where the spider waits.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two horizontal rows on the anterior portion of the cephalothorax, typical of the orb-weaver family Araneidae.
Leg Characteristics
Long, moderately thick legs with pronounced dark and light banding, covered in fine hairs and prominent spines used for gripping web strands and subduing prey.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild neurotoxins designed for subduing small insect prey. It is not specialized for vertebrate defense.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Their bite is rare, typically only occurring if firmly pressed against the skin, and results in minor, localized pain and redness similar to a mild mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
Leave undisturbed. If relocation is necessary, gently guide the spider into a container using a piece of cardstock and release it into nearby garden foliage.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common throughout North America, frequently found around human dwellings, barns, porches, gardens, and wooded edges where artificial lights attract abundant flying insect prey.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive. They typically rebuild their large orb webs at night and often retreat to a hidden spot nearby or stay in the center of the web depending on the time of day.
Diet & Prey
Generalist nocturnal predator feeding primarily on flying insects such as moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and flies captured in its vertical orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most visible and active during late summer and autumn when females reach maximum adult size and webs are built near porch lights.
Description
The Barn Spider is a magnificent nocturnal architect, spinning large, intricate wheel-shaped webs near outdoor lights and human structures. With its warm reddish-brown tones and banded legs, it serves as a peaceful and beneficial garden neighbor.
Key Features
Large bulbous reddish-brown abdomen, distinctly banded legs, and the construction of a large vertical orb web in close proximity to structures or lights.
Similar Species
Cross Orb-Weaver (Araneus diadematus), which features a distinct white cross pattern on the abdomen, and other Neoscona species which require close microscopic examination of genitalia for definitive separation.
Life Cycle
Annual life cycle. Mating occurs in late summer or autumn, after which the female produces one or more papery egg sacs hidden in sheltered crevices before dying with the first hard frosts. Spiderlings hatch in spring.
Ecological Importance
Acts as a prolific natural pest control agent by consuming large quantities of flying agricultural and household insect pests.
Conservation Status
Secure, highly adaptable, and common throughout its native range.
Interesting Facts
Barn spiders are famous for consuming and rebuilding their entire orb webs almost every single night to maintain the sticky silk's structural integrity and recycle proteins.
Photography Tips
Best photographed at night using a flash to highlight the web structure and dorsal markings, or backlit during golden hour to emphasize the silhouette against natural foliage.
Identified: 2026-08-30T14:28:13.464985